How to Properly Wash and Dry Your Shapewear

Quick Answer

Always hand wash your shapewear in cold water with a gentle detergent, then lay it flat to dry. Avoid the washing machine and dryer unless the label explicitly allows them, as heat and agitation can break down elastane and ruin silicone grips.

Shapewear is an investment in your comfort and confidence, so it deserves proper care. Washing and drying it incorrectly can stretch out the fabric, weaken compression, and cause silicone waistbands to peel or lose their grip. With the right routine, you can keep your pieces looking and performing like new for dozens of wears.

This guide walks you through the best practices for cleaning and drying shapewear, whether you're dealing with a delicate bodysuit or a simple brief. You'll learn what to do, what to avoid, and how to handle specific features like silicone trims and microfibre fabrics.

Why Proper Care Matters for Shapewear

Shapewear relies on tightly woven elastane and nylon to provide smooth compression. Harsh washing methods—hot water, vigorous scrubbing, or a tumble dryer—can break down these fibres, causing the garment to lose its shape and support. Even a single hot dryer cycle can permanently damage the elasticity.

Additionally, many shaping pieces feature silicone waistbands or edge grippers to prevent slipping. Fabric softeners, bleach, and high heat can degrade the silicone, making it less effective. Understanding these vulnerabilities helps you choose the gentlest cleaning method.

• Always check the care label first—it's your best guide.

Hand Washing: The Safest Method

Hand washing is the gold standard for shapewear. Fill a basin or sink with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent designed for delicates. Submerge the garment and gently squeeze the water through it—avoid twisting or wringing, which can distort the fabric.

Pay extra attention to areas that come into contact with skin, like the gusset and underarms, but use a light touch. Rinse thoroughly in clean water until no suds remain, then press out excess water with a clean towel.

• Use a detergent free of bleach and fabric softeners.

Machine Washing: When It's Acceptable

Some shapewear is labeled machine washable, but you still need to be careful. Turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging. Use the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a gentle detergent.

Never use hot water or a heavy-duty cycle, as these can cause the fibres to relax and lose their shape. Also, skip the spin cycle or keep it low to minimize stress on the fabric.

• Always zip or hook any closures before washing to prevent them from catching.

Drying: Air Dry Only

Heat is the enemy of shapewear, so air drying is non-negotiable. After washing, reshape the garment while it's damp and lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. Avoid hanging, as the weight of water can stretch the fabric, especially for bodysuits.

Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or heaters. If you're in a hurry, you can roll the garment in a towel to absorb excess moisture, then lay it flat. Never use a tumble dryer, even on a low setting, as the heat will permanently damage the elastane.

• Reshape the garment gently before laying it flat to dry.

Step-by-Step Shapewear Care Routine

1. Check the Care Label: Read the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing and drying recommendations. Some pieces may be machine washable, but most benefit from hand washing. This step prevents accidental damage from using the wrong method.
2. Pre-Treat Stains Gently: If there are any marks, apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the area and lightly rub with your fingers. Avoid using stain removers with bleach or harsh chemicals. Gentle pre-treatment avoids setting stains or damaging the fabric.
3. Hand Wash in Cold Water: Fill a basin with cold water and a gentle detergent. Submerge the shapewear and gently squeeze the water through the fabric for a few minutes. Do not wring or twist. This method cleans effectively while preserving elasticity.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cold water. Swish the garment gently until all detergent is removed. Repeat if necessary. Residual detergent can irritate skin and degrade fabric over time.
5. Press Out Excess Water: Lay the garment on a clean towel and roll it up, pressing gently to absorb moisture. Do not twist or wring. This speeds up drying without stressing the fibres.
6. Lay Flat to Dry: Reshape the garment to its original form and lay it flat on a dry towel in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Air drying maintains the garment's shape and silicone grip.

Caring for Your Heist Studios Shapewear

• The Invisible Brazilian Brief: Made from smoothing microfibre with a silicone non-slip waistband to prevent rolling. To keep the silicone waistband effective, avoid fabric softeners and high heat—both can break down the grip. Hand washing and air drying will preserve its no-slip performance.
• The Invisible Shorty Bodysuit Almond: Features a cotton-lined gusset and seamless finishes for all-day comfort. The cotton gusset requires gentle cleaning to maintain breathability and hygiene. Hand washing with mild detergent helps preserve the fabric's softness and the bodysuit's shaping properties.

Proper washing and drying are essential to extend the life of your shapewear. By following these gentle care steps, you'll keep your pieces comfortable, effective, and invisible under clothing—wash after wash.